
OUTLINE STUDIES IN THE REVELATION
5
17. What is one way that Satan attacks the church?
Rev.
12:10.
Note S.
Notes.
I. The apostolic church is here introduced, and its history
briefly outlined till the end. The glory of the Gospel, as revealed
in the types and shadows (the moon), being in the past, she was
clothed with greater Gospel light (the sun), and fully organized
and filled with power; she went forth "conquering and to
conquer."
2.
Satan is symbolized by the dragon, as shown in verse 9.
At the time of which the prophet is speaking he worked through
Rome in pagan form.
3.
When Satan overcame Adam, he became the prince of this
world (John 14 :30), and took Adam's place in the heavenly
council as a representative from this world. Job I :6-12. His
relentless persecution of Christ revealed his true character to the
universe, and, when Jesus died on the cross, he was again cast out.
He lost his place in the council of heaven, and the second Adair'
appears now instead. From Rev. 12:4 and "Spirit of Prophecy,"
Vol. I, pages 22, 23, it seems that about one-third of the angels
sympathized with him, and were cast out of heaven with Lucifer.
By a comparison of this statement with the unnumbered host that
remains faithful (Rev. 5 :II), we can gain some idea concerning
the number of fallen angels with which the church must cope.
4.
"Satan again counseled his angels, and with bitter hatred
against God's government told them that while he'retained his
power and authority upon the earth, their efforts must be tenfold
stronger against the followers of Jesus. They had prevailed
nothing against Christ, but must overthrow His followers, if
possible. In every generation they must seek to ensnare those
who believe in Jesus. He related to his angels that Jesus had
given His disciples power to rebuke them and cast them out, and
to heal those whom they would afflict. Then Satan's angels went
forth like roaring lions, seeking to destroy the followers of Jesus."
—Early Writings, page 59.
5.
The 1260 years of papal supremacy as, a persecuting power
are here brought to view, beginning in A. D. 538, and ending in
A. D. 1798. The church was indeed in the wilderness during this
time. "That church which, during all the Dark Ages, trumpeted
her lordly commands into the ears of listening Christendom, and
flaunted her ostentatious banners before gaping crowds, was not
the church of Christ ; it was the body of the mystery of iniquity."
—Thoughts on Revelation.
Nine-tenths of the women of India never heard of a Saviour.